Nicholasville, KY Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Nicholasville attacks abandoned and junked vehicles on three tracks.

Private property: § 11-3(c) bars any owner of premises from allowing any partially dismantled, wrecked, junked, discarded or otherwise nonoperating motor vehicle, or any motor vehicle not properly licensed pursuant to KRS 186.020, to remain on the property longer than seventy-two (72) hours. It also bars any person from leaving such a vehicle on any property within the city for longer than seventy-two (72) hours. The exceptions are historic motor vehicles registered under KRS 186.043, property where the use is allowed under zoning ordinances or other applicable laws, and vehicles in an enclosed building, plus vehicles on a business premises when keeping them is necessary to the business and vehicles held in a lawful storage place maintained by the city or another public agency.

Public road: § 22-51 makes it a misdemeanor to leave a vehicle upon a public road under circumstances indicating an abandonment, and a vehicle left for forty-eight (48) consecutive hours is presumed to be abandoned. Under § 22-52 the city police cause a vehicle fit for future use to be removed by a person engaged in the business of storing or towing motor vehicles, and KRS 376.275 governs disposal. Money from a sale that exceeds any liens is paid to the owner. Under § 22-53 the chief of police can dispose of an unfit vehicle immediately.

Notice track: § 22-66(a) requires owners and occupants to keep their property and the adjacent city street clear of old, unused, stripped, or junked automotive vehicles or trailers not in operating condition or not properly licensed. Section 22-67 has the administrator of occupational license and tax environmental control serve notice demanding removal within seven (7) days on private property, seventy-two (72) hours on city street or public property. If the person served does not comply, § 22-69 lets the city government remove the vehicles and charge the expenses to the owner. Notice under § 22-68 goes by certified mail, regular mail, phone or in person, or by newspaper publication for two (2) consecutive days.